Hale Walker, Sr. Vice President of First Preferred Mortgage/Michigan Mutual, Inc. has some tips for those looking to get into the market to buy or sell during the traditionally busier summer months.
Fourth of July is here and summer is in full swing-does that mean more homes on the market?
- Historically low interest rates have created an uptick in activity
- There is very little "move up" inventory for individuals who may have a growing family or want more room from their first home. Those homes are moving very quickly.
- Still good inventory for the first-time buyer. Now is still a great time to buy for individuals who may have been sitting on the sidelines for the past few years.
What are some trends happening in summer 2012 that you haven't seen in past years?
- The construction loan market is back-Since 2008 construction loans were not happening because so many subdivisions had unfinished or vacant homes. That has changed. Part of the reason is this mid-market "move up" buyer isn't finding the right existing home for their needs-so they are opting to build new.
- Homes in great condition continue to be the focus-So much attention was put on buying a short sale or foreclosed home in the past few years. These just aren't the homes that people are buying. Homes in great condition that are fairly move in ready are selling fast. If you are a seller looking to list your home that sounds like this, now would be a good time.
- Strong communities- People are looking for solid, strong communities-schools, parks, YMCAs, shopping amenities, places they can grow their families and enjoy for years to come. That's more important than ever for buyers today.
What do people need to do now if they are considering buying before the fall?
- Get pre-approved. We've seen it time and time again. Individuals losing out on homes to someone who had their pre-approval letter and they didn't. Before you start looking, understand what you can afford.
- Work closely with a lender to ensure you are exploring all viable options today with these historically low rates. There are more options to get qualified buyers into homes than ever before.
- Get creative-Look for ways to make your offer more appealing than the next buyer.
Wednesday, April 24 2013 5:07 PM EDT2013-04-24 21:07:25 GMT
Following a 1.6 billion first quarter profit, Ford CFO Robert Shanks talks to Murray Feldman about what the record means to the company now and moving forward.
Following a 1.6 billion first quarter profit, Ford CFO Robert Shanks talks to Murray Feldman about what the record means to the company now and moving forward.
Wednesday, April 24 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-04-24 13:32:01 GMT
Mike Amine from New England Financial and Kelly Masters, the chairperson of Money Smart Week join Murray Feldman in the studio to talk about financial planning and annuities.Play the video to gain their
Mike Amine from New England Financial and Kelly Masters, the chairperson of Money Smart Week join Murray Feldman in the studio to talk about financial planning and annuities.Play the video to gain their
Monday, April 22 2013 8:10 PM EDT2013-04-23 00:10:09 GMT
Perhaps you've heard or seen ads promising bad credit can be erased. Lisa Ross from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services has a warning for consumers.
Perhaps you've heard or seen ads promising bad credit can be erased. Lisa Ross from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services has a warning for consumers.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:34 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:34:31 GMT
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:15 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:15:35 GMT
When workers installed one of the much-heralded bike-sharing stations on West 22nd Street near 10th Avenue, they put it right in front of the brownstones.
When workers installed one of the much-heralded bike-sharing stations on West 22nd Street near 10th Avenue, they put it right in front of the brownstones, impacting the entrances for homeowners and tenants.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:10 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:10:09 GMT
AP photo
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:09:59 GMT
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:33:47 GMT
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
Friday, May 24 2013 11:58 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:58:44 GMT
Police say a woman was held captive at a hotel for several days and forced to have sex around the clock with multiple men, whoever would pay the price. 26-year-old Deante Brown now faces sex trafficking charges.
Police say a woman was held captive at a hotel for several days and forced to have sex around the clock with multiple men, whoever would pay the price. 26-year-old Deante Brown now faces sex trafficking charges.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:18 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:18:53 GMT
Dairy Boy keeps getting hit with tire tracks in the yard, so they brought in boulders to act as a visual warning and physical reminder not to cut the corner. Now they've been told those rocks must go.
Dairy Boy keeps getting hit with tire tracks in the yard, so they brought in boulders to act as a visual warning and physical reminder not to cut the corner. Now they've been told those rocks must go.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:34 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:34:36 GMT
The pediatrician called him a big baby, his parents believed their boy was genetically destined to be obese, but he proved them all wrong. One day, he made a critical decision and became a weight loss winner.
The pediatrician called him a big baby, his parents believed their boy was genetically destined to be obese, but he proved them all wrong. One day, he made a critical decision and became a weight loss winner.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:54:08 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:06 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:06:29 GMT
Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, an institution for generations of University of Michigan students in Ann Arbor, is about to undergo a historic change of address.
Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, an institution for generations of University of Michigan students in Ann Arbor, is about to undergo a historic change of address.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:54 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:54:49 GMT
Gleaming stainless steel circa 1975 provides the once futuristic setting for Southfield's best-kept secret -- Anthony's Coney Cafe inside the IBM building at Nine Mile and Southfield Road.
Gleaming stainless steel circa 1975 provides the once futuristic setting for Southfield's best-kept secret -- Anthony's Coney Cafe inside the IBM building at Nine Mile and Southfield Road.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:31 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:31:37 GMT
A home explosion in Royal Oak back in February killed a man and damaged dozens of houses. Now some homeowners are complaining that insurance companies are making repairs difficult.
A home explosion in Royal Oak back in February killed a man and damaged dozens of houses. Now some homeowners are complaining that insurance companies are making repairs difficult.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:52:39 GMT
Alan Lee asks Wallace if the subject of Viagara will 'come up' in Wallace's scheduled interview with former Senator Bob Dole. Wallace responds, "Comes up, really that's what you're going to say?"
Alan Lee asks Wallace if the subject of Viagara will 'come up' in Wallace's scheduled interview with former Senator Bob Dole. Wallace responds, "Comes up, really that's what you're going to say?"
Friday, May 24 2013 1:29 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:29:01 GMT
School officials say an earlier lockdown at three schools in Allen Park Friday has been lifted.
School officials say an earlier lockdown at three schools in Allen Park Friday has been lifted. Officials say police gave the all-clear at Allen Park Middle School, Lindemann Elementary and Riley Education Center around 12:40 p.m. Friday.
